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Wushu is a sport that demands discipline, consistency, and years of dedication. In Malaysia, it is also a sport where cultural representation tends to be relatively homogenous.
For 19-year-old Malaysian Indian athlete Jazmin, stepping into this space meant not only learning the art of wushu, but also navigating an environment where she often stood out for reasons beyond performance.
Despite these challenges, she stayed the course and her persistence led her to represent Negeri Sembilan, compete internationally, and eventually win a gold medal at an international wushu competition in Hong Kong.
Today, Jazmin’s journey reflects more than athletic achievement — it highlights resilience, adaptability, and the quiet determination to succeed despite being underestimated.
Discovered Wushu through family influence
Born and raised in Negeri Sembilan, Jazmin was introduced to discipline and structure early in life. She studied at Chung Hua High School, a Chinese independent school where academic expectations and values were emphasised from a young age.
Outside the classroom, her childhood was filled with extracurricular activities, where she took part in Latin dance, ballet, violin, athletics, and wushu.
“I was always active. Sports were a normal part of my routine growing up. Among the many activities I tried, wushu gradually became the one I committed to most seriously.
“At first, it was just something I tried because my brother suggested it. But after training for a while, I realised I enjoyed it,” she said.
Over time, that enjoyment turned into dedication. The discipline required in wushu from mastering forms to maintaining physical conditioning, and this appealed to Jazmin’s personality.
By the age of seven, she was already representing Negeri Sembilan in wushu, marking the start of a competitive journey that would span more than a decade.
‘I always felt out of place’
While Jazmin’s Wushu skills grew stronger each day, she also learned to rise above the challenges around her.
As the only Indian girl in a sport largely led by Chinese athletes, she chose not to focus on fitting in — but on standing tall. Her difference became her strength, and her journey, a symbol of courage and pride.
I was the only one who looked like me and now I’m the one they look up to
“Being different wasn’t always said out loud, but I felt it deeply. I may not have matched the sport’s typical image, but I carried something greater — heart, hunger, and purpose. And with every step, I learned that true champions don’t fit an image, they create one.” she said.
Instead of allowing this to discourage her, Jazmin chose to focus on her training and relied heavily on self-motivation. “I gave myself the motivation because the environment didn’t,” she added.
There were moments when the pressure became overwhelming, especially as training demands increased and expectations grew.
During these difficult periods, Jazmin leaned on prayers and the support of her family to regain focus and stay grounded.
“My family was always there,” she shared. “Whenever I felt stressed or doubtful, they reminded me why I started. At the end of the day, they are the ones who support me no matter what.”
Years of training eventually led to opportunities beyond Malaysia, which saw Jazmin competing in international wushu competitions, including one in Hong Kong where she won a gold medal.
She also represented Malaysia at the 9th World Kung Fu Championships, gaining exposure to a higher level of competition and athletes from around the world.
While medals were significant milestones, she viewed them as outcomes of discipline rather than the sole measure of success.
Her message to others who feel different
Reflecting on her journey, Jazmin hopes her experience can encourage others who feel out of place or underestimated.
Being different is not a disadvantage. As long as you believe in yourself. At the end of the day, you can’t depend on others to motivate you. You have to keep going on your own.”
Her journey serves as a reminder that progress does not always begin with acceptance. Sometimes, it begins with persistence.
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